Welcome to Special Olympics New Zealand

Special Olympics New Zealand offers a year-round programme of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

More than 7,000 athletes train and compete in 14 different Olympic-type summer and winter sports throughout New Zealand. Each year, Special Olympics New Zealand runs more than 200 events in over 40 towns and cities around the country. These events are supported by over 3000 volunteers and are facilitated through a network of Regional Sports Coordinators.

Special Olympics New Zealand is first and foremost a sports organisation but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. It’s about fun, friendships and team spirit; it’s about a feeling of belonging, and ultimately improving quality of life.

Special Olympics New Zealand also operates a free and comprehensive Healthy Athlete Screening programme. People with intellectual disabilities suffer needlessly from chronic pain and disease, blindness, hearing loss and other health conditions. Special Olympics New Zealand aims to reduce these health issues and with your help we can ensure these services continue.

Special Olympics enables its athletes to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too.